“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”¹
This simple proclamation from heavenly messengers to the shepherds of Bethlehem feels like music every time I read it. Christmas has always spoken in a language deeper than words, and for me, that language is music.
I must agree with President David O McKay that “Music is truly the universal language, and when it is excellently expressed, how deeply it moves our souls.”² I’ve felt that truth over and over during church, in my home, as a stranger in a faraway land, and especially in moments when the Spirit needed to reach me in a way words alone could not.
A Silent Night of Peace
“Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action… fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace.”³
One of my favorite examples of the power of sacred music comes from a place that seemed least likely to hold peace: the Western Front of World War I. On Christmas Eve in 1914, the world was at war and soldiers on both sides were exhausted, frightened, and far from home. Yet in the cold stillness of that night, something unexpected happened.
From the German trenches rose the familiar strain of “Stille Nacht” — “Silent Night.” British and Allied soldiers listened, and then they responded with their own carols. Across the shattered landscape, voices — enemies’ voices — blended in worship of the same Savior.
What began as a single carol became a fragile but beautiful truce. Soldiers laid down their weapons, climbed out of their trenches, and met each other in no man’s land. They shook hands, exchanged simple gifts, shared songs, and, for a few hours, remembered they were all children of the same God.
That night, music carried a message the world desperately needed then and now: hope, compassion, reconciliation. Music opened a door to peace.
“The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us . . . and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord,” the First Presidency states in the Hymnal preface. “Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.”
Music as a Shield of Protection and Peace
“Worthy music is not only a source of power but also of protection.”⁴
That same power shows up in our homes and families, too — often in ways that are quiet, personal, and sacred.
I remember once receiving a call in the middle of the night. A family member, far away from me, felt a heavy, terrifying presence, something dark and overwhelming. I couldn’t be there physically, but the Spirit whispered clearly what they needed: Primary songs. I knew this precious soul would remember the songs from childhood, and told him to start singing out loud and to pray in his mind with all the strength he could muster. And as he sang words remembered from Primary—of faith, of the Savior and His comfort, the darkness lifted. Peace returned.
Music became a shield. Music became a prayer. Music became the voice of the Spirit, which drowned the depths of darkness and opened a beam of light.
The First Presidency has taught that “Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality… [and] Latter-day Saints should fill their homes with the sound of worthy music.”
Childhood Traditions
“Behold the Lamb of God.” (John 1:29)
As a child, which was long before 24-hour TV, DVD’s and recording devices, our family looked forward to the many Christmas shows that came only once a year, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
The latter was one of my favorites. Charlie Brown longed to feel the real spirit of Christmas — the wonder, the warmth, and the meaning. But everywhere he turned, he found only glitter and noise. His friends and even his dog, Snoopy, were caught up in wish lists, decorations, and dazzling displays. But none of it brought the peace his heart was aching for. The more he searched, the more frustrated he became.
He tried to rally others, hoping someone might share the same yearning he felt, to look past the tinsel and remember what Christmas is truly about. But instead of sincerity, he kept stumbling into commercialism, shallow excitement, and moments that felt strangely empty.
Charlie Brown wasn’t looking for the perfect tree or the perfect gift. I believe he was searching for the Savior’s light and was wondering why no one else seemed to be searching with him. So, when Charlie was asked to get a sparklingly, aluminum Christmas tree, and instead returned with a real tree, fragile and small, his friends called him names and laughed at him.
“I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn’t have picked this little tree,” said Charlie Brown. “Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I don’t really know what Christmas is all about.” (I must admit I have felt the same way at times in my life.)
After only a moment of silence, Charlie blurts out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Linus answered softly with great confidence. “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14)
Linus, who has laid his beloved blanket aside when the angel declares to the shepherds, “Fear not,” turns toward the audience and gently says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Revived by this truth and with a smile, Charlie Brown heads outside with new hope and attempts to decorate the tiny tree. But when the fragile branches collapse under the weight of a single ornament, he is convinced he has killed it.
Once again, Linus comes to the rescue. “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really,” he says as he lovingly offers his beloved blanket to support the tree. “Maybe it just needs a little love.”
Soon the whole Peanuts gang gathers, decorating the sturdy little tree and humming a Christmas hymn. Charlie Brown, startled by the unexpected scene, demands to know what’s going on.
“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” they shout. Then, together, they lift their voices in Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. As a viewer, I can never help but feel invited to join in — it remains one of my very favorite Christmas songs.
Sights and Celebrations
Living on the outskirts of Washington, DC, opens the doors for many amazing “free to see” opportunities, especially at Christmas. Seeing the lighting of the 35-foot national Christmas tree brought forth from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia, surrounded by and dwarfing the fifty-six decorated trees representing each state and territory, is only one of many events and sights. Just down the street, the Capitol Christmas Tree — The People’s Tree —along with the adjoining US Botanical Gardens’ beautiful grounds and indoor displays, captivate those who come to see, sing, and marvel at their beauty. Yet, out of the many events and celebrations I have been to, one of the most memorable was at the Kennedy Center.
During the Christmas season, the Kennedy Center hosts its beloved Messiah Sing-Along. Back in the day, people would wait in line all night for the chance to receive two free tickets to Handel’s Messiah. Although I did not stand in line all night, a friend invited my son and me, giving us each a ticket so we could join them for an evening of this most profound music. I had no idea it was a sing-along — or that the entire audience would be invited to rise and join the professional choir in the Hallelujah chorus.
When the moment came, and the audience stood to sing, I lifted my voice with my whole heart and might! In that moment, surrounded by uplifting, almost angelic voices, I could not distinguish a single one, not even my son’s, though he stood right beside me. All our voices rose together as one unified offering of love for the Savior, filling my soul with unforgettable joy.
My love for sacred Christmas music began long before that night. When I was a teenager, the Washington DC Temple was built, and each year I went with family and friends to see the Christmas lights, the beautiful displays, the live nativity, and to feel the glory of God as choirs and musicians filled the winter chill with the warmth of the Spirit.
I believe with all my heart that music has the power to carve holy moments into a family’s memory. Some of the most tender experiences in my life, the healing ones and the joyful ones, were wrapped in music.
Through Music, The Season of Jesus Christ is All Year
This season, we celebrate the One who is the source of every good gift, including the gift of music. As the Church’s Christmas message this year beautifully states:
We celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth and all that He means to us as our Savior… He is our source of true joy here on earth and the Redeemer who makes it possible for us to live with God and our loved ones for eternity.
So let us make this Christmas meaningful by following His example with love, kindness, and glorifying God. And let us welcome the Spirit in the way heaven so often speaks: through music.
Because the language of music is the language of the heart.
The language of the heart is the language of the Spirit.
And the language of the Spirit always leads us to the Savior.
May the songs you hear and the songs you sing carry you closer to Him, and may the music you share become a blessing for generations yet to come.
Merry Christmas, and may your heart be filled with His peace and His song.
Notes and Links
- Luke 2:14
- President David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1945, 119
- First Presidency Preface. ChurchofJesusChrist.org, 2025. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/using-the-hymnbook/first-presidency-preface?lang=eng. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
- Nelson, Russell M. “The Power and Protection of Worthy Music.” Churchofjesuschrist.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dec. 2009, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2009/12/the-power-and-protection-of-worthy-music?lang=eng. Accessed Dec. 2025.
- Schulz, Charles Monroe. A Charlie Brown Christmas. 1965. Signet Book, 1 Sept. 1967.
- Ctibor, William J. “When Christmas Changed My Heart.” Churchofjesuschrist.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dec. 2009, www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2009/12/when-christmas-changed-my-heart?lang=eng. Accessed Dec. 2025.
